TWO late drop-goals by Frans Steyn snatched victory for South Africa after Australia's defence weathered a battering in the Tri-Nations opener. All South Africa had to show for their early dominance was Jacque Fourie's try before Matt Giteau's try and Stirling Mortlock's boot put Australia on top.

The home side took the initiative in the second half but for all their efforts, they could not find a way through.

Just when it seemed Australia were safe, Steyn's longrange drop-goals won it.

After the sides traded early penalties, Andre Willemse came within inches of the opening try, only to be denied scoring five metres from the line by Drew Mitchell. Fourie was the first player over the line, touching down in the left-hand corner after Butch James' looping pass missed out two teammates and pulled the defensive line out of shape.

Fourie had a great chance for a second when he supported Jean de Villiers' breakaway run, but he was thrown an uncatchable pass and the move died. Giteau burst over from close range to round off a 10-phase move with a try, and moments later only desperate defending denied him another from his own kickthrough as Australia suddenly took control.

South Africa began the second half on the front foot but saw a sustained period of pressure defused when Juan Smith dropped a pass close to the line.

Tempers frayed as they kept the visitors on rack but Australia stood up to all their pressure.

South Africa lost captain John Smit to a knee injury early on and their problems increased in the second half as Gurthro Steenkamp also limped off after twisting his knee unpleasantly as he was tackled.

Australia's line refused to buckle under the weight of continued South African attacks, so they opted for the long-range option, and Steyn twice hit the target to clinch a hard-earned win.

SOUTH AFRICA Montgomery; Willemse, Fourie, De Villiers, Pietersen; James, Pienaar; Steenkamp, Smit (c), BJ Botha, Bakkies Botha, Mat"eld, Burger, Smith, Spies AUSTRALIA Huxley; Mitchell, Mortlock (c), Giteau, Tuqiri; Larkham, Gregan; Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson, Sharpe, Vickerman, Elsom, Smith, Palu